The Waterbury Times|City Hall News|Published May 12, 2026

WATERBURY — As city officials defend a proposed increase in water rates tied to aging infrastructure and system upgrades, questions are also emerging about how Waterbury’s ongoing downtown redevelopment may impact long-term utility demand, density, and public costs.

In a statement released this week, Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. said the proposed adjustment is necessary to maintain and modernize the city’s water system while continuing to keep rates among the lowest in Connecticut.

The proposal would increase the water usage rate from $2.65 per CCF to $3.50 per CCF. Residential quarterly service charges for standard 5/8-inch meters would rise from $12 to $24, while larger commercial meters would increase from $12 to $120 per quarter.

According to the Mayor, the average household would see an increase of approximately $130 annually.

“These investments are not optional,” Pernerewski said, referencing more than $32 million invested in water infrastructure improvements over the past year. “They are necessary to maintain and modernize an aging system, meet operational demands, and ensure we can continue providing reliable water service for generations to come.”

The city says the projects were financed, creating additional debt service obligations that now require increased revenue.

But the proposal arrives as Waterbury continues to see redevelopment activity downtown, including residential conversion projects and mixed-use adaptive reuse developments that could reshape density and infrastructure demand in the city center.

One example is a proposed redevelopment project at 95 North Main Street, where permit records reference exploratory demolition work connected to plans for 35 apartments. Another nearby property at 158 Grand Street previously underwent a change-of-use process tied to a theatre and café concept.

The projects raise broader questions about how Waterbury is balancing redevelopment growth with infrastructure planning, including parking, water usage, fire safety, occupancy, and long-term utility capacity.

Downtown redevelopment often operates under zoning frameworks designed to encourage reuse of older buildings, particularly in central business districts where mixed-use and residential conversions are promoted. However, large-scale residential increases can also place additional demands on aging systems already requiring major investment.

The proposed water increase has sparked concern among residents already dealing with rising costs of living, particularly seniors and working families.

Pernerewski acknowledged those concerns in his statement, saying the proposal was evaluated “thoughtfully and responsibly.”

“Our responsibility is not only to address today’s needs,” the Mayor said, “but also to ensure future generations inherit a system that is dependable, sustainable, and capable of serving the community for decades ahead.”

A public hearing regarding the proposed rate increase is expected before final action is taken.

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